It's a question angry voters, pundits and fellow politicians have been asking almost nonstop in the nearly two weeks since the New York City mayoral candidate's latest sexting bombshell, which has sent his once-leading poll numbers plummeting.

Weiner insists he's staying in the race no matter what. And experts say that beyond the former congressman's well-known combativeness, his stance may just be rooted in political calculation.

A leading theory: Weiner takes his hits on the campaign trail, gives the media a chance to ask every sexting question and essentially punch themselves out on the issue. And even if he loses, he emerges with his political career refreshed to run for higher office again.

The Democratic primary is being held Sept. 10.

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